Can I clip my 10 week old chickens’ wings?

[nicosturla]

My 10 week old chicks (orpingtons and wyandottes) are now able to fly on top of our 4-ft fence. Building a higher fence in the next couple weeks is not feasible for me. Can I clip their wings?

 

[aart]

Can be very risky as they are still growing feathers at that age and you don't want a bleeder.
If you do clip and get a bleeder, pluck that feather all the way out asap.

 

[Saveria]

I read in a book you only want to clip one side, so they can still fly away from predators. I tried it and it didn't really work to keep them in the fence, but it may be worth a try. Once they get bigger their big bodies will weigh them down and it will be easier to keep them in the fence.

 

[Joey and dolly]

While you may begin trimming chicken wings anytime you want, it is generally preferable to do so before the flying skill grows to an issue. It implies that it is preferable to clip a non-flying chicken under six months old before it attempts to fly over the fence. They will adjust more quickly as they get older.